Are you still not quite sure yet?

Here are some answers to the most frequently asked questions.

What to expect?
One of your vacation days at Lakeview Guest Ranch could look like this.
Imagine…..
You have slept well in your comfortable bed. After a shower in your private washroom you go to get your first cup of coffee to enjoy on the sun deck.
The brisk country air is warmed by the morning sun. You take a sip from your coffee and soak up the moment, while watching birds, which surround you with their cheerful songs.
Breakfast is ready and you are surprised by a table filled with lots of hearty and healthy food choices. During breakfast you can decide how to spend you day. Head out for a trail ride with the horses, or ATV tour, or with the Mountain Bikes or canoe on the lake. Or you could take a sun bath, go for a swim or explore the area. Your hosts are happy to spend some time with you and inform you in a friendly “chit chat” of what is going on, when and where.
So, maybe you'll take that book you've been wanting to read for so long out to the docks for a relaxing read. Nah, not today you think, today I want action!
You grab a halter to get your horse from the pasture.
Maybe your partner would like to go on the ATV’s with the host to check fences and have a peak at the cattle herd, making sure the calves are all there and everything is O.K.
On your trail ride, there's lots of fun to experience, the communication between you and your horse really work. But, even though your body is not used to riding, you think that the one hour beginning trip is easy enough.

 A bit tired, but happy, you return to the ranch and you can’t wait for your partner to come back from the ATV tour. You are excited to tell them that you learned to saddle a horse and had a great ride on your well mannered new found friend.

For lunch you have decided to start your own campfire and roast some wieners. Tomorrow you will order lunch at the ranch. Taking on the host’s  offer.

Mmmm, after luch you need a little break. The swing in the shade under the big spruce trees seems to be the prefect spot for a nap. After some rest, Spark and Trixie the ranch dogs come over to fetch you for their afternoon walk. You follow the trails along the lake shore, over pasture and through the unblemished folliage with its soft, deep mossy ground and fresh greens open up into the blue skies. Aaahhhh, life is good.

After a 45 minute walk, you return to the ranch, where it’s been decided what's next to do. Need something from town? Let’s take the Van go for some shopping and have a sightseeing trip of the area.

Tomorrow we are going for a dip in the warm, crystal clear waters of the Pembina River. Diana showed us a picture perfect local swimming spot to do so.

The days dinner is served outside and it is good home cooking, and lots more for second helpings. Fresh garden produce and farm raised beef are giving you a flavor experience you haven’t had for a long time.

After dinner you join the hosts and sit around the campfire to watch a picturesque sunset over the lake and share your exciting adventures and wildlife viewing of the day.
Wow, the night sky is filled with millions of stars. You have never seen them that bright before. When you retire back to your comfortable bed feeling complete and satisfied, the lonesome howl of a coyote may guide you into a deep relaxing night sleep that will refresh you for the adventures waiting for you tomorrow.

Questions:

I’m an experience rider; do I have to ride just in walk and single file?
We will match the horse to your level of riding skills.
Mostly the trail rides are in groups not larger than 2 – 4 guests at a time. That will allow us to make your trail ride a fun and happy experience no matter what level of riding experience you have.
Yes, we do galopp / lope / canter in groups with experienced riders.

Can I book riding lessons?
Yes. Lessons can be taught in our open air riding arena beginning at a starter level, or on the trail.

How about the ATV tours?
Safety training with instructions will prepare you for some easy going trails. When you are confident on the machines, the host takes you out into some more challenging terrain. The pass of each tour will be adjusted flexible to your capabilities of handling an ATV safely and comfortably. Having fun comes right after safety.
A tour group contains two guest riders and the host.

Can I learn something?
Yes. You can participate in caring for the animals, helping to train our horses and be a part of the team when you like. During our tours we usually give lots of information about ranching, the area, vegetation, geographical history and much more.

What kind of gear do I need to bring?
In general we recommend to bring all weather wear.
Containing solid, waterproof outdoor boots or angle high hiking shoes. Footwear should have a clear heel for your safety when riding horses. If you have riding gear, please bring it and/or a fitting motorbike or Quad helmet.  A hat, cap or cowboy hat, long sleeved shirts and jeans with long legs, as well as sun lotion and bug repellent will come to good use. A wind and waterproofed, lined, jacket will keep you warm when it cools down in the evening. General rule is choosing your gear according to the season. Women consider a sports bra and men no boxer shorts.
Your wardrobe should be practicable, warm in any weather and easily washable.
We will provide a variety of rubber boots, riding helmets and life jackets for you. Contact us shortly before you arrive and we can give you the latest update on the weather.

How can I book a stay?
Send us an e-mail asking for your personalized quote according to how you picture your dream ranch stay. When our proposal matches your expectations and availability is confirmed, place a reservation by e-mail. A 50 % down payment can be placed conveniently by Mastercard, VISA or AMEX credit card. We will than confirm your booking and the reservation of your room. Please notice, transportation to and from the airport is available.

What happens if I have to cancel?
If you really have to cancel, please call us at latest 48 hours in advance of your booking otherwise you will loose your deposit! We will then give you up to one year from your booking to rebook a date with us.

I don’t know, will I will feel alright in a stranger’s home?
There is nothing to be shy of or worried about.
With open hearts and professional, friendly service, we welcome you at Lakeview Guest Ranch and will make you feel at home.

Cancellation of activities!
Sometimes weather wreaks havoc on all our best intentions; however please let us be the judge of what weather is bad! We ride in any acceptable weather with safe ground conditions.

Is there a minimum length of stay?
Two nights and three days is the most frequent chosen endurance of a stay. However, you are welcome to participate in just a trail ride or ATV tour and visit Lakeview Guest Ranch for an afternoon of fun.

Will the ranch cater to special diets?
Our kitchen does prepare one meal choice fresh for everybody, but serves a variety of vegetarian fixings with a meal to accommodate a vegans diet.

Can I bring my kids?
Yes, when they are 12 years or older.

Can I bring my pets and horses?
Yes, but please prove to us that, your animals are vaccinated. No pets in the guest rooms.
Dogs need to be on a leash at all times. Please bring your own feed that your animals are used to.

Do you recommend having a rental car?
When you like to make Lakeview Guest Ranch to your home base for excursions and you are going to stay for more than a week, than we do recommend having a vehicle.

Can I shop at the ranch?
We have a choice of souvenirs, post cards, ice cream, pop or snacks available at the ranch and we are happy to take you to the next village by car, when you like to shop a drugstore/pharmacy, bank, post office or grocery store.

Are there laundry facilities?
Yes, we are happy to do laundry for you, for a small fee.

Is liquor provided?
No, but you are welcome to bring your own, when you drink responsibly.

Other Ranch Life Ancedotes…

• Please drive slowly; you never know where the next bull might come from.
• Park in the designated area. That way, we can ensure the survival of your car in case of stampeding cattle or runaway farm machinery.
• Bring your minors, but please provide a mature chaperone for their stay. Their safety and behavior is your responsibility.
• The mother cow’s protective instinct is only equaled by yours. Inherently they consider dogs their mortal “wolf like” enemy. Please keep yours in the vehicle or, after checking with us, on a leash.
• Let us know beforehand if you have any medical problems that might require special attention.
• There is plenty of opportunity to enjoy the privileges of being 18 and older, but never drink before we ride.
• Remember, curiosity killed the cat. Please allow us to show you around.
• Remember, the only embarrassing question is the one not asked.

What else can I do or see in the local area?

• There is a lot. By working together with other local operators, we have a variety of exciting activity options to offer in the area. For example:
• Trail rides in the sand dunes along the famous Klondike Trail.
• Wild boar hunting with a cross bow.
• Participate in an archery workshop and lessons.
• Go for fishing excursions with a professional and specialized outfitter.
• Visit a privately owned and operated farm machinery museum.
• Enjoy a soda or ice cream in an authentic 1960 Coca Cola Soda Shop.
• Visit a grain elevator.
• Go shopping where the real Cowboys shop. Western wear and tack.
• See Elk or Bison Ranches
• Visit the Paddle River Dam and go for boating, water skiing, tubing ect.
• Visit rural farm or livestock Auctions
• Local dances, Rodeos, Parades and other events.
• Quad /Skidoo trail close by.
• Go shopping at a farmers market and sample local specialties.

If you would like to see a question added to a specific topic, please send us a note and we will be happy to update this page and provide an adequate answer.

infolkgranch@xplornet.com